IAF Boosts MiG-29, Su-30MKI Firepower with Russian RVV-SD A2A Missiles, Offering Superior Range, Accuracy Over Older R-77s Amid Tensions with Pak

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is enhancing the combat capabilities of its primary fighter jets, the MiG-29UPG and Su-30MKI, by equipping them with the latest Russian-made RVV-SD beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles.

This development marks a significant upgrade to their aerial engagement power, replacing the older R-77 (also known as RVV-AE) missiles, which are now considered less advanced.

The RVV-SD, referred to by its Russian product code "Product 170-1," is manufactured by the Vympel State Engineering Design Bureau, part of Russia's Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV).

The new-generation RVV-SD missile incorporates sophisticated multichannel homing systems and leverages the latest advancements in digital technology, modern materials, and high-performance components. These features allow it to surpass previous missile models in several key areas.

Notable improvements include a greater operational range, enhanced precision in targeting, a higher probability of successfully acquiring targets, increased resistance to electronic jamming, and the capability to function effectively in all weather conditions, day or night.

Guidance for the RVV-SD is achieved through a combined system. This includes inertial navigation for the initial flight phase, mid-course updates via radio correction signals, and active radar homing for the final approach to the target.

A crucial element of its advanced guidance is the 9B-1103M active radar seeker, developed by the Moscow Research Institute ‘Agat’. This modern monopulse Doppler radar seeker boasts considerably increased transmitter power and receiver sensitivity, along with updated software and superior defences against both artificial electronic interference and natural environmental disturbances.

These technological enhancements give the RVV-SD a significant performance edge. It can engage aerial targets up to 110 kilometres away when launched in the forward direction, a substantial increase from the 80-kilometre range of the older R-77 missile.

Furthermore, the RVV-SD is designed to intercept and destroy highly agile targets attempting evasive manoeuvres, even those experiencing gravitational forces up to 12g (12 times the force of gravity). This addresses a critical performance gap found in some older BVR missile systems.

The introduction of the RVV-SD missiles into the IAF's arsenal has been expedited through emergency procurement procedures. This decision underscores the urgent operational needs of the air force, particularly in light of ongoing regional tensions and the necessity for a strong deterrent capability.

While the RVV-SD is set to be a key BVR weapon for the IAF's Russian-origin aircraft fleet, it is generally viewed as an interim enhancement. India is actively pursuing self-reliance in missile technology with its indigenous Astra missile program, led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Astra Mk-I missile has already been inducted into service, and the more advanced Astra Mk-II is currently under development. These Indian-made missiles are slated to eventually replace the R-77 series and other imported systems on all compatible fighter aircraft, bolstering the nation's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and providing the IAF with cutting-edge air combat solutions developed domestically.

 

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[sanket]

Good. This may be ordered after the 2019 skirmish. I remember these BVRs were ordered at that time; something like 5,000 crore purchases were done. That's why a couple of days ago there was news about Su-30MKI armed with R-77.

Now I've come to know it was the R-77 RVV-SD variant, which was ordered after 2019. It's one of the variants, and improvements are good over the previous R-77 variant, with Day/Night and all-weather/climate condition capabilities, apart from accuracy, jamming resistance, plus highly maneuverable targets performing evasive actions with up to 12g overload.

This may be a stop-gap arrangement. Once Astra MK2 goes into production and is inducted, then it will be outdated again.

 

[DS]

Good.

 

[Mithu Roy]

This means Astra is a work in progress. Astra mark 2 is delayed.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

By the time Astra Mk2 is produced in good numbers, get higher range BVR missiles from Israel/Russia.

 

[Loki 20]

This means Astra is a work in progress. Astra mark 2 is delayed.

No. This has been ordered before. Astra mk2 will be mass produced from 2026.

 

[Radha Ramanan]

On paper it seems to be good, but the problem is you will never know if the Russians sold the same missiles to China, which I suspect they will. It happened last time when they gave every weapon along with old R-77 to China with the Su-27 and thus negated our advantage. Russia is closer to China ever before and it will definitely buy a batch using an excuse to arm the Su-35 which they got, fire it and jam it and know everything about it, reprogram their jammer pods to jam this new system and then pass it on to Pak to negate the missile's effectiveness. In my opinion it's a waste. I'd rather stick to the desi Astra.

What will be more effective is the new generation IIR AAM i.e. the R-74. With this missile, Russia has finally caught up with the West in CCM technology, which it was lacking. The R-74 is an IIR digital missile that has a 2-color IIR seeker. The older one, R-73, was an analogue one, though very effective. This new missile has better seeker sensitivity, is harder to jam and has a longer range than the older one.

 

[Kira]

This means Astra is a work in progress. Astra mark 2 is delayed.

As I had stated a few days back, that the Astra production won't be able to match all of IAF fighter needs, so they need to move production capacity beyond BDL. As for the Astra Mk-2, it was always in testing and will require a few years to hit production, so it's not a surprise.

 

[Akshat]

As I had stated a few days back, that the Astra production won't be able to match all of IAF fighter needs, so they need to move production capacity beyond BDL. As for the Astra Mk-2, it was always in testing and will require a few years to hit production, so it's not a surprise.

I doubt that's an issue here. As per DRDO, in 2016 India was making about 50-60 Akash missiles. Even for Brahmos, we are making 100+ units as per multiple unofficial sources, and the Lucknow facility is planned to produce 150 Brahmos annually. The total order is expected around 600 as of now. 248 in 2020, and 350 in 2023 or something. So I don't think Astra's production is that big an issue that IAF will try to find a missile in the same range.

Also, even assuming that the production is a bottleneck, isn't involving a second production partner a better option?

 

[Sandeep]

India can certainly buy a small batch of the missiles as an emergency procurement but what they need to do is increase manufacturing capacity for the Astra MK1. This allows us to become self reliant and allows us to export the missile as well.

 

[Kira]

I doubt that's an issue here. As per DRDO, in 2016 India was making about 50-60 Akash missiles. Even for Brahmos, we are making 100+ units as per multiple unofficial sources, and the Lucknow facility is planned to produce 150 Brahmos annually. The total order is expected around 600 as of now. 248 in 2020, and 350 in 2023 or something. So I don't think Astra's production is that big an issue that IAF will try to find a missile in the same range.

Also, even assuming that the production is a bottleneck, isn't involving a second production partner a better option?

As I said, since there may be a bottleneck with production as only BDL is the production partner for most Indian missile systems, it's high time that a secondary private partner is selected for managing mass production of various missile systems. At the least, the IAF should once and for all abandon the older R-77 and replace it with Astra-1 as fast as possible.

 

[Preet]

I doubt that's an issue here. As per DRDO, in 2016 India was making about 50-60 Akash missiles. Even for Brahmos, we are making 100+ units as per multiple unofficial sources, and the Lucknow facility is planned to produce 150 Brahmos annually. The total order is expected around 600 as of now. 248 in 2020, and 350 in 2023 or something. So I don't think Astra's production is that big an issue that IAF will try to find a missile in the same range.

Also, even assuming that the production is a bottleneck, isn't involving a second production partner a better option?

At the time of conflict, you must have more options to quickly order from them, as creating a huge storage for one missile and then not fighting for decades but still maintaining missiles is a very costly affair.

And this RVV-SD is an extended-range R-77, which was ordered post-Balakot. I guess this is it.